Explore These 13 Cozy Historic Places in Tennessee

Take a unique trip through history at bed & breakfast establishments, hotels and restaurants in Tennessee. Dive into the stories behind 100-year-old B&B's, restaurants in converted blacksmith shops and hotels that have hosted presidents and celebrities throughout history. Curl up in these warm places and learn something new. Check out our list for where to explore.

Historic Places to Stay near Bristol, TN/VA

Hale Springs Inn – Rogersville

Celebrating 200 years of southern hospitality in 2025, Hale Springs Inn in Rogersville is a step back in time when you stay in one of their 9 beautiful rooms named historically important Tennesseans like President James K. Polk and Tennessee State Legislature Jacob Eastman Miller. Book a room with a fireplace for a cozy night and marvel at the antiques that grace your room. Be sure to do a self-guided history tour of Rogersville, Tennessee’s second oldest town. Take a winter stroll to see the Federal-style buildings, brick sidewalks and period lighting as well as the first post office in Tennessee and the first newspaper printed in the state. Other notable stops include Rogers Tavern, Historic Amis Mill and the Clay-Kenner House and the Courthouse. Make your way to McKinney’s Restaurant & Tavern, named in honor of Hale Springs Inn founder John McKinney, for food and drinks made with the freshest ingredients for lunch and dinner.

Carnegie Hotel – Johnson City

Cozy up in the Carnegie Hotel & Spa, a boutique hotel in Johnson City that offers award-winning dining at Wellington’s Restaurant and pampering at the full-service Austin Springs Spa & Salon. Feel stress ease away with a massage, hydro therapy, acupuncture and body wraps, facials, pedicures and more. Book the Enhance Your Romance package for a relaxing couple’s getaway that includes a 1-hour couples massage, overnight stay and dinner for two. While in the area, book a guided fly fishing excursion, sip wine at Watauga Lake Winery and tour Worley’s Cave.

Historic Stops near the Smokies

The Oliver Hotel - Knoxville

Located in a 1876 building, The Oliver Hotel is one of Knoxville’s downtown gems. The hotel celebrates its rich history by preserving the building’s unique architecture, charm and elegance. Enjoy modern luxuries in a room or suite featuring floor-to-ceiling windows, views of downtown Knoxville and freshly ground, locally roasted coffee in-room. Warm up with a drink in the speakeasy, Peter Kern Library featuring rows of books, cocktails named after literary characters and a fireplace that create a cozy atmosphere.

RT Lodge – Maryville 

Tuck away into the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains with a modernly rustic getaway at RT Lodge in Maryville. Retreat to this luxurious lodge that is furnished with country-house comfort and elegance. Enjoy a peaceful sleep in a king-sized bed topped with a cozy comforter and luxury linens. When you’re hungry, don’t miss The Restaurant at RT Lodge where everything from the bread to the pimento cheese and pickles are made in-house. You’ll enjoy the freshest ingredients sourced from local farms in dishes that change daily based upon availability of local, seasonal ingredients. After dinner, sip a coffee and make complimentary s’mores around the fire pit.  

Ruby Falls Castle - Chattanooga

Make memories around the table surrounded by history and the beauty of Lookout Mountain. Inside Ruby Falls Castle, you’ll find the Castle Café, a cozy place to hangout during the winter, that offers a seasonal menu. This winter, savor veggie flatbread, smoked beef brisket chili, sourdough grilled cheese and jumbo cinnamon pretzels. The castle’s fireplace is the perfect place to enjoy a local craft beer, locally roasted coffee or a signature hot cocoa. Built in 1929, Ruby Falls Castle is on the National Registry of Historic Places for its transformational impact on early tourism in the region. 

Historic Hotels in the Nashville Area

Hermitage Hotel – Nashville

Since 1910, The Hermitage Hotel has stood as a beacon of luxury and historic preservation in the heart of Nashville’s downtown. The 5-star hotel has been a witness to more than 100 years of history and has hosted millions of guests, including celebrities. Book your stay to enjoy oversized rooms, luxurious amenities and marble bathrooms. Planning a girl’s getaway? Celebrate friendship with the Girls Getaway Package that includes luxe matching Draper James pajamas for each guest, daily breakfast, a tea experience and accommodations.

The Union Station – Nashville

The Union Station Nashville Yards has 125 renovated guest rooms and suites that feature a design inspired by railway travel with details like high ceilings and architectural elements inspired by Pullman cars, antique burnished brass, art-deco styles and leather belting throughout. Enjoy exceptional dining, live music, a state-of-the-art fitness center, in-room streaming and Nespresso makers and celebratory add-ons like champagne and indulgent treats. 

Commodore Hotel & Café – Linden

The Historic Commodore Hotel was built in 1939 in the heart of Linden, Tennessee. Slow down and relax in this historic, boutique hotel with 22 rooms featuring different amenities such as jacuzzi tubs, kitchenettes, king beds and views of the quaint Main Street. Enjoy live music and incredible food for lunch and dinner at the Commodore Music Café during your stay. Live music occurs every weekend featuring a variety of music styles like country, blues and rock. Step outside to explore downtown Linden. You’ll find Main Street Marketplace full of handmade soaps, textiles, jewelry and more as well as the Buffalo River Artists Cooperative featuring arts and crafts from local artists.

Falcon Manor: B&B at Falcon Rest – McMinnville

Have a lovely stay at Falcon Manor Bed & Breakfast at Falcon Rest, lauded by PBS as “Tennessee’s Biltmore,” where you can marvel at the timeless architecture and antiques that fill the guest suites. Enjoy acres of gardens onsite and outdoor adventure at nearby Cumberland Caverns and Rock Island State Park. Shop for 1800s treasures in the Victorian Gift Shop and take a guided tour of Falcon Rest Mansion where you’ll hear stories of the Faulkner family and 1890s life.

Cozy Historic Places in Memphis

Central Station Hotel

The Central Station has been a pillar of South Main Street in Memphis for over 100 years. Now, it’s a boutique hotel that celebrates its history and connects you to Memphis’ dynamic neighborhoods. Sweet dreams welcome you in one of the 123 spacious king or double queen guest rooms featuring custom artwork, plush bedding, oversized windows, WiFi, a daily curated playlist on custom-designed EgglestonWorks speakers and lavish amenities. Enjoy the Memphis-inspired vinyl record collection in the listening lounge bar and delicious cocktails at Eight & Sand.  

The Peabody Memphis

The Peabody Memphis is known as the “South’s Grand Hotel,” originally opened in 1869. The Memphis icon is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is world-famous for its luxury service and for its five Mallard ducks that march through the lobby daily at 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. Opulent designs, décor and furniture are found in the stylish guestrooms with luxury amenities that have earned the hotel a AAA Four-Diamond rating. Luxury dining experiences await at Chez Philippe, where you can also enjoy afternoon tea and weekend brunch. 

James Lee House

Internationally acclaimed boutique bed and breakfast, The James Lee House is a stunning 175-year-old Victorian home located in the heart of Memphis. You’ll love the hand-painted frescoes, five beautiful guest suites, antiques and heritage rich of art, music and literature. The suites feature large bathrooms, luxury amenities, queen and king-sized Tempur-Choice Luxe beds, in-room coffee and WiFi and gourmet breakfast daily.

Amelia Gene’s

Housed in the historic 1879 William C. Ellis & Sons Ironworks and Machine Shop, Amelia Gene’s is a fine dining restaurant serving globally inspired, contemporary dishes. Treat yourself to the Tasting Menu from Chef Nate Henssler featuring locally sourced seasonal ingredients Thursday nights. Enjoy pasta dishes, short rib, filet mignon, triple chocolate layer Matilda cake, pumpkin spice crème brulee and an unforgettable cheese cart. Signature cocktails flow and the atmosphere is enhanced with the reclaimed antiques, a commissioned glass art installation, and the original building’s machinery integrated into the design.